Thomas “Tom” Frank Eidel (1948-2011) holds a very special place in the Alaska Anthropological Association. As an undergraduate major in anthropology at the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1974, he took part in the planning of the first statewide anthropology conference held in Alaska. This conference led to the establishment of the Alaska Anthropological Association (1975). After that initial meeting, Tom attended and contributed papers to almost every annual conferences of the Association; upon his death in 2011, he bequeathed a significant amount of his Life Insurance to the Association which allowed major increases in annual student scholarship awards. The Association’s Graduate Student Scholarship (MA Level) was named in his honor in 2012.

Tom attended the Alaska Methodist University, Anchorage Community College, and the University of Alaska Anchorage. He was employed at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for 30 years, most recently before his death as a digital cartographer. Tom was also a member of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. He volunteered much time to the National Park Service during Alaska Archaeology Week, providing educational programs for children. Tom also was involved in numerous archaeological research projects throughout Alaska. His devotion to northern anthropological studies was supported by his wife, Catherine Eidel.

This scholarship is designed to assist eligible students in their pursuit of an academic degree in anthropology, or a clearly related degree program/curriculum, or interdisciplinary degree that includes anthropology as a significant component. Students must be focused on a question, topic or issue that pertains to the cultures and anthropology of the north.

The scholarship will be used to help underwrite a program consisting of at least eight academic credits. If fewer credits are taken, it is required that the student be engaged in full-time work toward a degree. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, or other expenses related to the pursuit of a degree. Scholarships are not intended to underwrite part-time studies or to cover expenses of doing fieldwork not directly connected with academic courses.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate program and be a member of the Alaska Anthropological Association (i.e., current year dues must be paid at or before time of application). The scholarship may be used at any appropriate institution. Scholarship funds must be expended within one year of being granted and may not be used retroactively.

The primary evaluation criterion will be evidence of promise in and commitment to the field of anthropology. Note that awards are not made every year, and are dependent on the number and quality of submissions.

Download and complete the application. You may attach additional pages to the form if needed to include all required information. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications must be received by December 15th 2018 for awards to be announced at the Annual Meeting in March. Please submit your completed form and resume/CV in adobe pdf format to: alaskaanthroaward.scholarship [at] gmail [dot] com. Award announcements will be sent to applicants by January 18th 2019.